Like I said ive had this bike 10 years. All original components lasted that time and in its first 4 years it was rode hard.
Ive had a couple of years of not much riding but have got the bug back
Im currently rebuilding it with professional respray and shimano running gear. Will invest in some nice shox soon.
Ive payed out roughly £500 rebuilding so this shows how much I like the ride.
If I rode mega hard trails I would spend lots more. Frames are solid :)

Weaknesses: Stock components are for starters only. You'll need to change most of them to unleash the potential.

Bottom Line:

This bike is all about its frame. I bought mine in 2004, and it still delivers, but I've changed stock everything. Packed with Shimano Deore and HEAVY RockShox Judy TT, it was a decent entry-level bike. It's upgradability, where it shines. It can grow as your experience grows via thoughtful upgrades.

I was satisfied with stock components... for about half a year. Then I thought I need something better. No problem - went towards SRAM setup, then Mavic wheels - and the bike began to feel different. With upgraded drivetrain and decent tyres you literally feel the improvement. 8 years now, mine is equipped better than stock Zaskar Expert (see below), and I see it performs better too.

One day, may be, I'll go for the brand new frame, but I'm still completely satisfied with old trusty 1.0, which never failed me going through 20000 kms of trails, some really abusive.

From the other hand, you can stick with stock components - and they'll work OK for years (pedals and tyres were rubbish). Feel you need a good XC rider - go and upgrade what you need. Wanna try some light trails - just stay with stock components. This bike gives you choice.

I purchased the GT Avalanche 1.0 last September. I rode it once in September and then stored it inside for the winter. In March I rode it once and the chain broke. I took it to The Bike Zone and the said the chain was not under warranty. I said it was ridden once and they said they would give me a better chain that should last at least a year and that GT uses crap components. I was thankful until I rode it today and the chain broke again. I only ride on city streets or junior trails and now the derailleur is bent because of the chain. I tried calling GT in March when it broke the first time and still no response. Overall I am extremely dissatisfied with the GT product and the customer service. I regret this purchase and I should have bought a Scott for a similar price.

Strengths: Since I ordered my bike frame in an extra small size,
the frame is bent in a way to fit an extra small 5'4 person.
It gives great handling against curves and leans. Deore
components and shifters works very well.

Weaknesses: Horrible, very horrible, front shocks/suspension.
My hands goes numb during rides through trails.
The back derailuer is easily damageable off from
a simple 2 feet jump. The seat provides no cushion.

Bottom Line:

For a price of $299 from bikes direct, this is a great
price for a beginners bike and the bike itself. As to
REI and other websites/stores, this is the cheapest price
you'll find this bike for. Components are great. The
frame is great. Cons are the seat isn't the greatest after
a long ride. The front suspension is a nightmare. Overall
great pricing for a starter bike.

Strengths: Tough frame. Great entry-mid level bike. Deore components with SLX RD. This was the best deal I found in over 6 months of window shopping for a new. Only way to get a better bike for less would be buying used. Love the WTB Pure V Saddle. Tora Fork is great for the price I paid.

Weaknesses: Tekro Auriga Comp brakes.. I couldn't get them to stop on a dime so I upgraded to Deore hydro brakes.. Not much difference in the end. Perhaps I should have went with SLX brakes. I plan on swapping my grips out also.

Bottom Line:

I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Sure there are many better bikes out there. But for the price I paid, I feel every penny (centavo) was worth it. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to trail riding and I use my bike 80% for biking to work. If I had a chance to go back in time and do things over, I would purchase the same bike but sooner.

Weaknesses: -stock pedals were total rubbish.
-front rotor appears to have warped a little.
GT has lost a lot of its street credit due to business changes and distribution problems. GT bikes are looked at as "second tier" by many.

Bottom Line:

I probably paid more than most others, but I am in Canada, and we get screwed on everything like bikes, tires, car parts etc. In my case I was looking at 250$ more for any other brand if I wanted the same components. I am a believer that it is the components that make a bike. I don't think it is likely that I will break the frame and require a warranty claim ( I am 130lbs), so I went with the "second tier" brand instead of getting a 1st tear brand with suntour and Shimano Alivio parts for the same price.

i started at 245lbs and now weight in at 210 six months later. the bike is strong. stock front shock crapped out after 1 month - upgraded for free to rs air fork - great ride. upgraded rims to rhyno lite. this is a solid ride - love it! i would recommend it to others. it is a great starting out bike.

This bike is sharp, even with the original forks (which were very skittish) it handled fine. Brakes don't have adequate ventilation meaning the rear disc warped after a mediocre descent. Replaced with Jet Black and did the same on the front (up to 185mm) when I replaced the fork. The SPD pedals are fine but need adjustment every few rides.

With an upgrade to an air fork and better brakes it was ready to race, and it does so monthly. I do at least 10km of trails every day and have not had a single problem with this good, solid bike. I weigh 120kg and it holds up.

Strengths: Tektro disc brakes, Tora 302 Forks, solid frame, shifting has been wonderfully smooth on the rear even with better than moderate pedal pressure on the up hill climb

Weaknesses: generic pedals w/ toe cage

Bottom Line:

Been to four different local trails, different tech levels, components haven't fouled even through the water and mud. Heavenly suspension, comparing to a test ride on a buddies bike w/ SR Suntours and of course my ol rigid. Glad I talked myself out of the 2.0 for the component upgrades. I'm a reborn enthusiast to the MTB pasttime and think I'll stick with it, this bike just keeps me motivated for more.

Strengths: I purchased my 1.0 with disc breaks on the after thanksgiving day sale. THe frame is very strong. I feel in love with the breaks(I was riding old V-breaks). THe front fork is very nice, but i need to change the spring rate as I weigh 300. Bike feels very solid under me when charging down rockit trail.

Weaknesses: Rear derailer is already acting up. Other then that the bike has no weaknesses.

Bottom Line:

AWESOME bike for the money. I am big guy and have been MTB riding for over 15 years. This has been the best bike I have owned out of the box. I usually purchase a frame and build a bike around it. Keep it stock till things break then replace with the best parts possible.

Weaknesses: Quick releases get jammed if not lubricated, treads prone to wear quickly when used on a downslope. Climbing steep ascents may get tiring since the front shock absorbers are not lockable. Front shock absorbers have limited travel.

Bottom Line:

The GT Avalanche 1.0 is a brilliant bike to hit trails on weekends and will last you many years without any issues with minor maintenance, but its not a cycle that you an take for enduro races. The pedals are prone to slipping in wet weather as they dont have adequate grip knobs, though this can be overcome with a shoe with good treads.
Its great for beginners and those who want to take to serious trails in the future. The tyres are worth replacing with Kenda and the front shock absorber could have a bit more travel.

I have the 2011 model.
This bike has been great so far, although I've found the Maxxis Mobster tyres that come with it are pretty easy to puncture (plenty of grip though). As other reviewers have said, the standard pedals are terrible so plan on changing them immediately. The rest of the components are brilliant, I've had no problems.
This bike has a very "nerdy"(upright) biking position, at least it does for me being around 6'2" using a large frame. I like this riding position as it lets me get off the back of the seat easier for going off drops, but it wont be for everybody so definitely have a decent test ride before buying.
The Rockshox Tora 302 fork works well for me, but may be a bit soft for a heavier rider (I'm 77kg, 170lbs).
If you're planning on doing a lot of commuting on this bike you may also want to look at larger chainwheels as well. I find myself wanting higher gearing for on the road (gearing is perfect for on the trail though).
Overall a great bike which I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to get into mountain biking.

This bike is great overall. The frame is fantastic, steering is fine, gears too! It will give you many hours of pleasant riding! ... Hayes sole are basic level brakes and judy 3 is good, but has limitations... Upgrading brakes with a stronger model (Avid juicy 5) and forks (Tora race) drives the performance to outstanding levels! Just put the tyres that suite your driving style/preferences and go!

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